In Letter To The Editor, Mos Def Claims New York Observer Fabricated Story About Him

Last month, the New York Observer ran a story by D.M. Levine about Damon Dash and his DD172 space, which is his new production company. In the story, Levine makes a passing reference to Mos Def:

On a recent blustery December night, rapper Mos Def was in the house. Dressed in brown slacks, shiny dress shoes, jean jacket and a cabby hat tilted to the side, he sipped a bottle of Rolling Rock, taking in the vibe. "It's like a cross between early Hitsville, Andy Warhol's Factory and a little bit of the Algonquin roundtable," he told me. "But it's something completely different."

In a recent letter to the editor that Gawker published on their site, Mos apparently takes umbrage with this reference, claiming he never actually talked to Levine at all.

TO THE EDITOR:

My name is Yasiin Dante Smith Bey, a.k.a. Mos Def.

I'm responding to the "Wannabe Warhol" article in which the writer claims that he saw me drinking "a Rolling Rock" and "in the mood to record" after "a few drinks."

For the record, none of that ever happened … and we both know this, Mr. Levine (if that is your name). I don't drink alcohol, and have never in your company or presence. I spent no more than a very brief moment talking to you, and only after you pleaded with me to do so on more than one occasion where I politely declined.

"Follow your first mind," my grandmother says.

On top of NOT printing what I DID say, you printed what I DON'T do. You are telling the people a lie, Mr. Levine (if that is your name), and if you'll lie about something so small, to "add color" to your "piece," what you have to report about me or any person, place or thing is unreliable to say the least.

peace & good day sir.

MR. SMITH-BEY

PKA MOS DEF

Oh snap! New York Observer just got dealt with! In a gully letter to the editor!

For his part, Levine is sticking by his story, but this is still pretty nutty. I mean, Mos had to respond in letter to the editor form to get the word out about how he doesn't drink and the New York Observer reporter allegedly makes up stories and conversations about him. Letters to the editor? I thought those were dead. [Daily Swarm]